Mantras

Almost all great athletes have at least one mantra they tell themselves while they're practicing, training and competing or performing. It's a few positive affirmative words that help them get through the difficulties and pain of intense dedication and training. As an athlete, I can definitely tell you about how much mental toughness, physical fitness, humility, and drive or perseverance it takes to excel in your sport. However, many of the same principles that I just listed are not only needed for sports but for life in general. We all want to be humble, dedicated, strong, and positive people. We have jobs and relationships that depend upon those things. So I think having a mantra to recite to yourself while you're having a rough day at the office, or trying so hard to study for that huge test, or preparing for a crucial presentation, or for just really bad days, it so beneficial. So how do you create a mantra? Maybe some of these tips I've gathered over the past few years can help.

1.) Try to avoid negatives such as: "DON'T worry" or "NO regrets" or "NEVER give up" even though these examples are trying to make you feel better, and are great things to focus on, they use negative words. If you like the idea these examples give off, then try to rephrase the mantra so you there is a positive word instead.

2.) Keep it short and simple. It won't do much help if you forget all the words in your mantra because it's too long. Anywhere from 3-5 words is plenty and still beneficial

3.) Try to tell your loved ones and others you trust/look up to what your personal mantra is. If your family members, best friends, mentors, etc. know exactly what gets you motivated, inspired and/or encouraged, then it will only work to your benefit. It's nice to have someone you love be able to encourage you just how you want to be shown support.

4.) If the mantra you choose starts to lose its power, then it's okay to change it. Life is always a rough draft and nothing has to be final. Revisions are a good thing. 

For anyone who is wondering, as of right now, I have a few personal mantras. They all work for when I'm in my athlete mind and while I'm outside of sports. Here they are. And you are more than welcome to use them for yourself if they work for you. I just thought I'd share.

-I can and I will.

-I was built tough

-Fighter till the end

Again, if these inspired you, please feel free to use them for yourself. It's not stealing, it's sharing.